Snowdon Park Pickleball Court Upgrades: The Sault Ste. Marie City Council will decide Monday whether to add resurfacing and other upgrades to the pickleball courts at Snowdon Park on Florwin Drive. The proposal will be introduced at the 5 p.m. meeting, which will be livestreamed on SooToday.
Resolution Details
Ward 1 Councillor Sandra Hollingsworth will move the resolution, with Ward 1 Councillor Sonny Spina as seconder. The motion notes that pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in Sault Ste. Marie. “Participation numbers increasing each year with approximately 200 registered members of the Soo Pickleball Association in 2021, doubling to 416 in 2022, with much of this growth likely attributable to the city’s decision to construct Elliot Park; and Whereas participation has continued to increase each year, with 2025 figures showing 925 players registered through a court-booking app, not including the many additional residents who play but are not formally registered,” the resolution states.
Growing Demand
The resolution explains that demand for courts is outpacing supply, creating long waits at outdoor facilities and capacity issues indoors. It argues that “it is the responsibility of a municipality to offer free, affordable space for physical activity for all residents; and Whereas preventative repairs are less costly than full reconstruction if ‘nonessential’ services such as the Snowdon Park courts are maintained and invested in.”
Community Importance
The motion adds that “the Snowdon Park tennis and pickleball courts serve as a true community hub, used daily by constituents of all ages from across the city; and Whereas outdoor recreation facilities such as tennis and pickleball courts are an important part of community health, wellness, and active living, aligning with the objectives outlined in the city’s parks and recreation master plan.”
Broader Benefits
It also highlights economic and social advantages, stating that “investment in safe and modern recreation facilities also brings broader economic and social benefits, including opportunities to host tournaments, attract visitors, promote active living for seniors, support youth engagement, and reduce long-term health care costs through preventative wellness; and Whereas access to safe and properly designed courts will help meet the growing demand for pickleball while maintaining tennis opportunities, ensuring that residents of all ages have access to inclusive and sustainable recreation options.”
Public Support
The resolution notes that “constituents have expressed a willingness to work with the city and are prepared to assist through fundraising or individual donations if project costs exceed any budgeted amount. Once the project is complete they will discuss with city staff the Adopt-a-Park program to support ongoing costs related to the facility.”
Next Steps
If approved, the council will ask staff to include the cost to upgrade Snowdon Park, including resurfacing of the courts, in the 2026 preliminary budget.
News in Brief: Snowdon Park Pickleball Court Upgrades
Sault Ste. Marie councillors Sandra Hollingsworth and Sonny Spina will present a motion on Monday to upgrade Snowdon Park’s pickleball courts. The resolution cites rapid growth in pickleball players, rising demand, and community health benefits. If passed, staff will add project costs to the city’s 2026 preliminary budget.
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